Preview for Republic of Ireland v Portugal
Josh Cullen is confident the Republic of Ireland can hurt Portugal and delay their qualification for the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co will rock up in Dublin tomorrow night knowing a win will guarantee their place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Ireland, who are third in Group F with four points from four games, are also desperate for a win that would keep their play-off hopes alive.
Cullen played in the reverse fixture in Lisbon that was settled by Ruben Neves’ injury-time goal and believes the Irish saw enough that night to give them belief that they can cause an upset at the Aviva Stadium.
The Burnley midfielder told the Irish Times: “When you play against the so-called better sides in the world, sometimes probably their main focus in their performance isn’t the defensive side of the game.
“So, when you do get that chance to have possession, I feel that there are areas that we can exploit. The lesson I suppose I took away from the game [in Portugal] is that there are areas that we can exploit in this team when we have the ball.
“That’s taking nothing away from the great players they have, of course. And we know that it’s going to be another great challenge and a tough test for us, but I think there’s belief there that we can hurt this team when we have possession.”
The current Ireland squad features seven midfielders who have combined for just one goal and Cullen admits it’s an area they have to improve on.
“Obviously, as a team it’s crucial for people to chip in and score goals,” he added. “So, yeah, I’ll keep doing my job as best I can on the other areas as well.
“And hopefully, if that chance falls my way, then I’ll be able to put it away and get a big goal for my country as well, which would be great.
“To score a goal is the best feeling in football and I can imagine scoring for your country is a level above as well. It would mean everything to me. And hopefully, it’s not too far away.”
Portugal midfielder Joao Neves is keen for his country to qualify as soon as possible and avoid a scenario where it goes to the final matchday.
The PSG star said: “If we can do it now against Ireland, then all the better. If it’s not the case… we know that both teams we’re going to face are quality teams, teams that put us to the test. But yes, we always look for victory and, if we can guarantee it in the next game, it would be very good.”
He is not expecting an easy night in Dublin, though.
“I think it will be more difficult, away from home, they will be with their fans,” he added. “The first game demonstrated the Portuguese will to never give up and it was a victory that tasted good.
“We know that they are teams that will bring us some difficulties, both Ireland and Armenia. It is up to us to work during the week, in the little time we have, to see the strengths of the teams to try to cancel them and also see the weaknesses.”
Team News for Republic of Ireland v Portugal
Cullen missed the win over Armenia last month due to suspension but is set to return to the XI.
Ireland are without Jayson Molumby, who is serving his own ban, as well as the injured Mark Sykes, Jason Knight, Will Smallbone, Evan Ferguson and Robbie Brady.
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves have withdrawn from the Portugal squad.
Predicted line-ups for Republic of Ireland v Portugal
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott
Portugal: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha, Silva, Leao; Ronaldo
How to watch Republic of Ireland v Portugal: TV and online streams
The Republic of Ireland versus Portugal kicks off tomorrow night at 7.45. It can be watched on Premier Sports 1 and streamed on the Premier Sports Player app.
Stats for Republic of Ireland v Portugal
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace against Hungary last month saw him become the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying (41) and extend his record international goal tally to 143 in 235 appearances
- Portugal have qualified for the past six World Cup finals
- Portugal have won four and drawn one of their last five meetings with the Republic of Ireland
- The Republic of Ireland have not qualified for the World Cup finals since 2006
